- Matchday - 23/07/2016 20:00h

Medrán on target but Valencia lose to late goal

July, 23 2016 -

New signing Alvaro Medrán hit a superb 25-yard free-kick for Valencia CF but they still went down 2-1 against Feyenoord after conceding again late on in Saturday’s preseason friendly.

Medrán, a youth product from Real Madrid, cracked a set-play from distance passed the despairing dive of Par Hansson after 76 minutes.

The match was more about preparation for Valencia in only their second match of the preseason and they went behind to a Nicolai Jorgensen header after 32 minutes.

The majority of the players were changed at half time as coach Pako Ayestarán looked to give a work out to the full squad and while they did draw level through Medrán they were caught out again by a header this time from Eric Botteghin in the final minute.

Valencia had a 4-2 victory in their first friendly of the preseason against German lower league side Preussen Munster but now they faced a team with European pedigree and includes a European Cup trophy among their silverware.

There were a lot of young players in the Valencia starting eleven and the idea was to try and boss the game from midfield.

They had plenty of possession in the opening stages and there was some good link-up play especially between Santi Mina and Rodrigo Moreno early on.

Nando also got forward to help out the attack but they were not able to pressure the Dutch defence sufficiently.

Instead, Feyenoord began to find their stride with Elia a danger with his movement, and Santosdid well, using his pace, to clear for a corner after a long ball down field.

The physical strength of the Feyenoord players was becoming more evident and Diego Alveshad to be alert to repel a fierce Kuyt strike inside the area.

Soler did have a shot over the bar from a Rodrigo pass but shortly afterwards the home side took the lead with Jorgensen nodding home an Elia cross from close range.

Valencia made a series of changes after the break with only Enzo Pérez and Carlos Solerremaining from the first half, and the new players found their rhythm quickly.

Rafa Mir had a couple of dangerous shots from the edge of the area that went narrowly wide while recent signing Medrán showed some good touches on the ball.

Medrán showed his class with the goal but while Valencia appeared to be in control in the final stages they conceded again from a corner.

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Photographs by Lázaro de la Peña, re-use is not permitted.